Home topics news via pexels News News Four business models emerging from Australia’s nature-positive startup scene Yajush Gupta January 28, 2026 KPMG’s Nature Positive Challenge finalists reveal four distinct business model patterns emerging in Australian climate tech, from AI-enabled ocean restoration to circular textile recycling infrastructure. What’s happening : Five finalists at KPMG’s Nature Positive Challenge demonstrate distinct business model patterns emerging in Australian climate tech. Why this matters : The KPMG finalists represent commercial patterns that are achieving traction, including AI-physical infrastructure hybrids, circular economy industrial applications, and Indigenous knowledge commercialisation frameworks that address the sector’s persistent scaling challenges. Brisbane climate tech company Blue Carbon claimed both major prizes at KPMG’s Nature Positive Challenge, but the five finalists reveal more than individual winners. They demonstrate four distinct business model patterns emerging in Australian climate tech as the sector moves from green premiums toward measurable returns. Blue Carbon uses wave energy to circulate, cool and oxygenate seawater, combining real-time ocean intelligence with autonomous systems to regenerate marine habitats. The company secured the $100,000 KPMG Nature Positive Prize and $20,000 People’s Choice Award from 75 applicants across Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Dr Ana Novak, CEO of Blue Carbon, said the recognition will help scale passive, ocean-powered systems that support healthier marine ecosystems whilst reducing energy demand across ocean industries. “Winning the KPMG Nature Positive Prize is a catalyst for Blue Carbon,” said Dr Novak. “It will help us scale passive, ocean-powered systems that support healthier marine ecosystems while reducing